Early challenges from abroad

Question 1

The French threat ( ally of Scotland )

Answer 1

France is wealthier than England with a bigger population . Mary was married to the heir to the French throne and Mary had a strong claim to the English throne and English Catholics might rally to her if France was to invade

Question 2

Under the treaty of Cateau Cambrésis

Answer 2

England lost Calais to France . This was England’s last remaining territory on the continent and there was pressure on England to regain it. However War with France would be expensive and dangerous.

Question 3

The Auid Alliance

Answer 3

Frances alliance with Scotland threatened England Mary of Guise who ruled Scotland on behalf of her daughter Mary Queen of Scots kept French soldiers there that could attack England. The relationship between France and Scotland was strengthened by the Marriage of Francis to Mary in 1558 and Francis became King Francis II in 1559

Question 4

France ended it war with Spain

Answer 4

French military resources were no longer stretched with Spain making war with England more likely. Also possibility France and Spain, both catholic countries could unite against protestant small England. Spain also had Netherlands, not far from England

Question 5

War was an expensive business

Answer 5

Crown was in debt, England could not afford a war with Spain, Scotland or France as this would be expensive and deepen government debts